Columbine High wins state football title

Published: Sunday, December 05, 1999

GREENWOOD VILLAGE, Colo. {AP} With the number 70 emblazoned on their helmets and the memory of a slain teammate as their 12th man, the Rebels of Columbine High School on Saturday won their school's first state football title.

The championship victory wasn't just about bragging rights.

It honored a fallen teammate, Matt Kechter, gunned down April 20 in the worst high school massacre in U.S. history. Kechter, who wore the number 70, would have been a senior and hoped to start for the Rebels as a lineman.

Chants of "We are Columbine" echoed from the stands Saturday afternoon as the Rebels plowed over perennial powerhouse Cherry Creek, winning the Class 5A title, 21-14.

The chant had become the school's unofficial motto since the attack when two students opened fire in the school, killing 12 classmates, a teacher and themselves.

"It's been a very difficult seven months for everyone," said Columbine Principal Frank DeAngelis. "But this is just one of the success stories we've had all year."

While it was bittersweet, the team's hard-fought success this season has unified the community and been a rallying point for students, he said.

"It's kind of fun to see kids smile, and just be kids," he said.

An estimated 8,000 Columbine students and fans filled the stands, many wearing Columbine-blue for the game.

"This game kind of means moving on (past the tragedy)," said Brandon Burgess, 18. "Matt's here in spirit, his family's here, and he's here in everybody."

Linebacker Zach Rauzi had tattooed Kechter's initials and a cross on his left arm.

"We carry his number close to our heart," coach Andy Lowry said before the game Saturday. "Not only Matt, but all the victims."

School district spokeswoman Marilyn Saltzman said the team dedicated the season to Kechter because he would have been a member this year. Another player killed in the rampage, Isaiah Shoels, 18, would have graduated last spring.

DeAngelis said the team's success this year has helped in the healing process. The team last played in the state finals in 1981.

"So many of the football players have mentioned Matt Kechter's name," DeAngelis said earlier this week. "Even though it's a time of happiness you think back to that tragic day. You think back to all the students who were killed in the library. It's been a very difficult year, a very trying year."